Webster’s Dictionary defines “authentic” as “True to one’s own personality, spirit, or character.”
In today’s electoral politics, candidates and elected officials too often are guided, or some would say manipulated, by consultants, pollsters, and image makers.

Every word is poll-tested, picked apart, and nuanced. Focus groups — a thriving industry — routinely are convened by pollsters and wordsmiths to get “reactions” to “messages,” images, and ads. All demographics are “focused” and targeted. Focus groups are asked their opinions of candidates and issues. Their likes and dislikes. Do they prefer Pepsi or Coca-Cola — just kidding. Maybe not. This is particularly true in Washington, D.C., and in races for major offices, including Congress, governor, and president.

Some would say that anyone who lacks a full head of hair and a height of at least six feet does not have the “stature” to be president. Of course in the 2016 cycle this conventional wisdom may have lost its “street cred” with Hillary Clinton’s entry into the presidential sweepstakes. (Clearly, Hillary is not 6 feet tall, and the receding hairlines and bald spots of several of the Republican contenders may put an end to that D.C. nonsense.)

After twice electing the first African-American president, we now are told we a have the opportunity to elect the first female president. This line often is accompanied by the word “historic” — giving Hillary’s candidacy more substance, and, dare I say, enhancing her “electability.”

I don’t know about you, but one of my pet peeves is watching a politician being interviewed on the Sunday morning talk shows.

First, you have to get beyond the self-importance and the bias of the likes of “objective” hosts, such as NBC News’ Chuck Todd and longtime Clinton crime family hack, ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos. Then you are subjected to watching most politicians parse and nuance almost every word that comes out of their mouths.

Sadly, spontaneity and philosophical conviction have become rare commodities among our political class. Many seem afraid of their own shadows. Substantive answers have taken a back seat to the “sound bite” which will make news stories and blogs. Politicians are advised to condense their messages to 15 seconds or less. Then they will make the network news and deliver their 15 seconds of fame.

But their hair will perfect and in some cases “color-corrected,” and let’s not forget that their teeth will be unnaturally white. And the discerning eye might notice “a little cosmetic surgery work” may have been done to freshen up the image.

Some might say I have a cynical view. Having been around the political game for most of my adult life, that most likely is true. And of course not all politicians are narcissistic and poll-driven — which brings me back to the word “authentic.”

It is my view that the American electorate is looking for someone who is true to himself or herself and has the courage of their own convictions. Someone who is willing to level with the American people about the challenges we face both domestically and overseas.

In the 1980s we used to have a saying: “Let Reagan be Reagan.”

And you know, that actually worked out pretty well, don’t you think?

Marc Rotterman (@oldschooolmarc) is a senior fellow at the John Locke Foundation.